Subacute Combined Degeneration of the Spinal Cord and Hydrocephalus Associated with Vitamin B12 Deficiency.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to report the case of a patient who presented with depression, cognitive impairment, ataxic gait, and urinary incontinence associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

CASE DESCRIPTION: Serum vitamin B12 level was low in this patient, and anti-intrinsic factor antibody was positive. Neuroimaging revealed abnormal hyperintense signals in the cerebellum and dorsal and lateral columns of the spinal cord, and obstructive hydrocephalus. A biopsy of the stomach revealed chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and atrophy. After 3 months of initiating methylcobalamin therapy, significant improvement was noticed clinically, and brain magnetic resonance imaging was near to normal.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was novel in reporting subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord and hydrocephalus associated with vitamin B12 deficiency in adults.